PP047 - HOME-DELIVERED MEALS AND MORTALITY RISK AMONG COMMUNITY-DWELLING HOME CARE RECIPIENTS AT HIGH RISK OF MALNUTRITION

Linked sessions

Sep 5, 2026

2:00 PM3:30 PM

ePoster presentations

ePoster Stage 4: Geriatrics

Jürgen BAUER

PP047

HOME-DELIVERED MEALS AND MORTALITY RISK AMONG COMMUNITY-DWELLING HOME CARE RECIPIENTS AT HIGH RISK OF MALNUTRITION

I. Gunnarsdottir^1,^2,*, D. B. Heimisdottir³, H. Hardardottir², O. K. Magnusdottir⁴, O. G. Geirsdottir¹, T. I. Halldorsson¹, A. R. Ingadottir^1,²

¹Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Iceland, ²Department of Clinical Nutrition, Landspitali - University Hospital, ³Integrated home care services, Reykjavik City, ⁴Development Centre for Primary Health Care, Reykjavik, Iceland

Rationale: Home-delivered and congregate meal services may improve the nutritional status of older adults; however, other health benefits are unclear. The aim of the present study was to assess the risk of malnutrition among home care recipients aged ≥65 years and to examine the association between the use of home-delivered meal services and mortality risk among those at high risk of malnutrition.

Methods: Home care recipients (n = 268) aged 65 years were screened for malnutrition risk at three home care service centres. Information about food-related activities, including the use of home-delivered meal services, was gathered from those considered at high risk of malnutrition. Disease diagnosis and mortality within 12 months from recruitment were recorded from medical records.

Results: Those defined at high risk of malnutrition (n = 90, 34%) were three times more likely to have died within 12 months from nutritional screening than those at low risk (n = 111, 41%), OR 3.13 (95% CI 1.15, 8.53), adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and disease diagnoses. Among individuals at high risk of malnutrition, the mortality risk within 12 months was lower among those receiving home-delivered food than among those who did not, OR 0.06 (95% CI 0.01, 0.82), adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and disease diagnoses.

Conclusion: The results of the present study highlight the importance of screening for malnutrition risk in the home care setting and ensuring nutritional treatment, including home-delivered food when appropriate.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared